This document discusses memory-based database management systems (MDBMS). Key points include: - An MDBMS stores the database in main memory rather than disk storage for faster access speed. However, data is transient and could be lost if power is lost. - MDBMS are well-suited for applications with frequent data reads, shared databases with many users, or where performance is critical. They are less suitable when data persistence is required. - Sybase implemented an MDBMS that uses memory as a virtual disk volume, retaining the SQL interface. Transactions are stored in a transfer table then committed to the original disk-based database.